A child becomes unresponsive in the dental chair. What is the first priority?
Stop treatment, assess airway/breathing/circulation, summon help, and start indicated rescue immediately.
- Activate the office emergency plan and EMS when appropriate; assign roles, retrieve oxygen/AED, and use pediatric resuscitation training.
- Do not delay ventilation or CPR while searching for a diagnosis or drug.
- Document the event, interventions, timing, and transfer; review readiness afterward.